Provided is a method for providing animation in electronic communications. An image is generated by capturing multiple photographs from a camera or video camera typically fixed in one position. The first photograph is called the “naked photo.” Using a graphics program, photos subsequent to the naked photo are edited to cut an element common to the subsequent photos. The cut images are pasted into the naked photo as layers. The modified naked photo, including the layers, is stored as a web-enabled graphics file, which is then transmitted in conjunction with electronic communication. When the electronic communication is received, the naked photo is displayed and each of the layers is displayed and removed in the order that each was taken with a short delay between photos. In this manner, a movie is generated with much smaller files than is currently possible.